Carbon dioxide threat to reefs

Reductions in carbon dioxide levels likely to be agreed by G8 leaders will not be enough to save coral reefs, a group of leading scientists has warned.

Proposals to limit Co2 levels to 450 parts per million (ppm) will not prevent the "catastrophic loss of coral reefs" from the combined effects of climate change and ocean acidification, the scientists argued at a meeting at the Royal Society co-chaired by Sir David Attenborough.

To save coral reefs, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels must be reduced significantly below 350ppm, they said.

Sir David described coral reefs as "the canary in the cage" in relation to climate change.
"They are the places where damage is most easily and quickly done," he said. "We must do all that is necessary to protect the key components of the life of our planet as the consequences of decisions made now will likely be forever as far as humanity is concerned."

G8 leaders are expected to agree to limit Co2 levels to 450ppm when they meet in Copenhagen in December to decide on a global plan to combat climate change.

The scientists, who have drafted a statement on the science and management of coral reef eco-systems in a changing climate, said that in addition to reductions, the active removal of Co2 from the atmosphere was necessary to achieve the safe level that would prevent reefs from becoming extinct.

Dr Alex Rogers of the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO) and the Zoological Society of London (ZFL), said: "The kitchen is on fire and it's spreading round the house. If we act quickly and decisively we may be able to put it out before the damage becomes irreversible - that is where corals are now."

Over-fishing, destructive fishing, coastal pollution and sedimentation were also increasing the vulnerability of coral reefs and decreasing their ability to recover from climate change, he warned.

Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse habitats on Earth and provide essential eco-system goods and services to hundreds of millions of people, the scientists' statement argues.




http://environment.uk.msn.com/news/headlines/article.aspx?cp-documentid=148393643